What do you buy your parents for Christmas?

[mfp]

We pay for snow removal service for my parents, they have a pretty big driveway. They can afford it, but are too cheap to get it and their cheapness will someday be the death of them at this rate. My dad injured his back almost 7 yrs ago when I had my oldest son, b/c he insisted on chipping away at the ice with a shovel. He's also had open heart surgery once already, everyone knows that old ppl, heart problems and shoveling snow is a recipe for a heart attack. So, getting them the snow removal service, basically forces them to use the service. I know it doesn't sound like a very fun gift, but they literally have everything (and are borderline hoarders), so they don't, "need" any more material gifts and they are too stubborn (and did I mention cheap?) to get the snow removal service that they technically really SHOULD get.

 

[linnylu]

My parents are very hard to buy for, so I could use some good ideas. They have no hobbies and really don't leave their house. They don't like gift cards because that is too impersonal to them. Last year we bought them a new computer and my mom said we didn't need to get her anything for the next 10 years. Yesterday she mentioned something she thought "us girls" meaning my sister and me could get Dad for Christmas. I am stumped! And they are the type people who tell you if they don't like the gift you chose for them.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We pay for snow removal service for my parents, they have a pretty big driveway. They can afford it, but are too cheap to get it and their cheapness will someday be the death of them at this rate. My dad injured his back almost 7 yrs ago when I had my oldest son, b/c he insisted on chipping away at the ice with a shovel. He's also had open heart surgery once already, everyone knows that old ppl, heart problems and shoveling snow is a recipe for a heart attack. So, getting them the snow removal service, basically forces them to use the service. I know it doesn't sound like a very fun gift, but they literally have everything (and are borderline hoarders), so they don't, "need" any more material gifts and they are too stubborn (and did I mention cheap?) to get the snow removal service that they technically really SHOULD get.

That's interesting. I wonder what that runs for a typical winter, if you don't mind me asking? My dad does have some blockages in his heart but only in 1 artery. Too bad to get a stent, but not bad enough to do bypass surgery.
They do have a heavy-duty snow blower, but soon he won't be able to do this. Also has COPD that is worsening.

Did you hire a company and they just put your parents on their list of places to do and they send you the bill?
My inlaws could use this too but we already bought them a garment bag (early) for our recent cruise.
Maybe next year.

 

[Shelby5514]

My mom is getting a new wrist blood pressure monitor. Exciting huh? She really doesn't need anything and mentioned today that the velcro on the one she has is letting loose. I also bought her some body butter that she loves and will probably pick up a few other smaller items.

FIL is getting the usual, socks and slippers. He has NO hobbies other than golf and ping pong and we just covered both of those for his birthday in October. I may throw in a new shirt too.

I still haven't decided on what to get my MIL. She'll LOVE absolutely anything I get her. She is so easy to please. Maybe a nightgown and some lotion.

 

[NewCrew42]

Mine really like a gift card for JC Penney. I have the same issue, but they really seem to like this.

They both get their hair cuts at JC Penney, so if they do not spend on clothing, they use it for their haircuts.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'm stumped on my Mom. She's 78, half blind, not very mobile due to arthritis and other issues, and has started a slow decline into what we believe is probably Alzheimers. Since she can't drive blind as she is, she doesn't get out at all since my father passed away unless my brother takes her somewhere. (Unfortunately I live half a country away.) She has no interests to speak of, other than watching TV.

So far all I've come up with are some books on tape (she's been resistant to trying them, but I'm trying to convince her they are great), and that all-edge brownie pan (she and my father always fought over who got the corners )

I keep trying to convince her she needs a cat to keep her company, which I would love to get her for Christmas. I think it'd do her a lot of good to have another soul in the house. But so far she's nixed that idea...

My grandmom is 93 and I've been getting her gift certs to a local nail salon every bday and Christmas for years. She had awful nails all her life and finally got a manicure for my sister's wedding in 2001 and she's hooked.

My mom takes her and gets her own done too but that would still leave something for my dad.

 

[ah1126]

Last year we paid for 3 months of Netflix for my parents and they loved it! They really enjoy the outdoors in the summer, but spend a lot more time inside in the winter. My dad has already started his subscription back this month. The nice thing is you can decide how much you want to spend, then find the package that works best.

My parents also enjoy the state parks. We have done a gift certificate to the state parks that they can use for lodging or at one of the restaurants.

 

[maggiew]

This is not going to help you, but my Dad is 60 and this year we are getting him ion drums for Rock Band. They and Rock Band 3 are the only things he has asked for.

My mom wants Isotoner smart phone gloves, a new Vera Bradley wallet and the new keyboard for Rock Band 3. She turns 59 on Dec 27th. I'm thinking mine are not your typical parents.

What are Isotoner smart phone gloves??


I got my dad a copy of my grandather's ship manifest and a picture of the ship he came over from Italy on in 1913. I ordered it from Ellisisland.org site. I bought the folder thing to put them in too. I think he is going to love it!!

I got my mom a netbook because she has been wanting a "laptop" for a couple years. I am not sure what she plans to do with it though. She has got a perfectly good desktop.

Maggie

 

[Suz D]

We got my in-laws a Roku box and 6 months of Netflix. I got the box for $59.95 on Amazon about 6 weeks ago. I'm very excited for them to open the gift because I KNOW they are going to love it!

We're also giving them a homemade gift certificate because we're treating them to Palo brunch when we all go on our super bargain Disney cruise in January. Five nights for $499/per adult and $389/per child with two stops at Castaway Cay. It's what our daughters are getting for Christmas.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I'm thinking of getting my parents netbooks.

 

[QVCshopper]

I'm also stumped. My in-laws have everything (literally) and what they don't have, they buy right away. I have been inspired the past few years. I got a lovely 16x20 painting from Brushstrokes (via QVC) of my kids that an artist then handpainted. It's beautiful. Also, a mini Keurig and a digital picture frame. A few years ago, we got them a 1 night stay + dinner + breakfast + activity at a lovely B&B, but it took them almost a year to use it b/c they have a vacation home. Anyway, this year, my MIL has pretty severe depression and I am truly stumped. She's really down lately and most "stuff" stresses her out. Like, really really stresses her out to the point of bad anxiety.

Maybe a netbook, though? She's mentioned that a few times. Thanks for the idea.

 

[fakereadhed]

Great thread and some great suggestions!

My mom is the type of person who measures your love by how much money you spend on her which makes every gift a test. So much fun. /sarcasm [\QUOTE]


That is my DH! I decided years ago that is his problem, not mine, and if he is disappointed it's on him. Not gonna play that game.

Got my mom a Citizen Eco-Drive watch that doesn't need batteries. Not sure what to get my dad. He is super techie and a gadget freak so that makes it tough.

 

[DominicaAnne]

What are Isotoner smart phone gloves??

Maggie

I haven't seen them in person, but here's a link to the Isotoner page. There are different kinds and price ranges.
http://www.totes-isotoner.com/produ...er+womens+smartouch+gloves.do?sortby=ourPicks

 

[Minnie]

I'm also stumped. My in-laws have everything (literally) and what they don't have, they buy right away. I have been inspired the past few years. I got a lovely 16x20 painting from Brushstrokes (via QVC) of my kids that an artist then handpainted. It's beautiful. Also, a mini Keurig and a digital picture frame. A few years ago, we got them a 1 night stay + dinner + breakfast + activity at a lovely B&B, but it took them almost a year to use it b/c they have a vacation home. Anyway, this year, my MIL has pretty severe depression and I am truly stumped. She's really down lately and most "stuff" stresses her out. Like, really really stresses her out to the point of bad anxiety.

Maybe a netbook, though? She's mentioned that a few times. Thanks for the idea.

Seems like the perfect idea to put some cheer in her tough year

 

[Swimalie]

My parents are both 70 but very active. I got my mom trivets to match her coasters for their condo in FL and a Pandora charm. Could you get your mom a Pandora bracelet and start adding charms?

I got my dad a book that he asked for an a puzzle. He loves doing puzzles when they are visiting their condo. The book is for home. My dad is harder since he buys things when he wants them. He's buying himself a GPS and just got himself a lap top. My mom is getting him new set of wheels for his racing bicycle (he does triathlons) and she got him a golf GPS (which sounds so cool).

Oh and from my son, my parents are getting coasters for their house of my son's art work that he drew. I don't know if anyone can order without a school fundraiser but this is where the coasters are coming from http://www.square1art.com/

 

[Ephany]

Oh and from my son, my parents are getting coasters for their house of my son's art work that he drew. I don't know if anyone can order without a school fundraiser but this is where the coasters are coming from http://www.square1art.com/

Our square1 art order came yesterday. We always get each of the grandparents an ornament for their tree. It's small, but since DD drew it, they seem to appreciate it. My parents are getting these things that fit over your boots for better traction in snow, (my mom's balance is off and she slips/fall a lot in winter). I'm also renewing my mom's membership to Sam's, got them a gift card to a restaurant they love but my dad hates paying for, and a gift card to Cabellas for my dad. I'd love to get my dad a 'present' but he's really picky and can buy himself anything so he's happier if I just contribute towards something he had his eye on.

I was going to get my mom a Keurig or a roaster oven, but they just moved and downsized 30 years of stuff. She's a borderline hoarder and Dad says she's got an entire pantry full of kitchen items that don't get used so please no more stuff that'll just collect dust.

 

[rusty4]

We bought my IL's a gift certificate a gift card for BedandBreakfast.com. That way they can pick where and when they want to go. They had a deal for $125 and you get $25 too. We are giving them both.

For my dad I bought some special flavored syrup and pancake mixes I found at TJMaxx. He loves pancakes for breakfast. But that is something small and still have no clue. Hoping that I get some ideas while I am there for Thanksgiving.

I like the Keurig's but I am worried about the cost of the coffee for them. So not sure that is such a good idea. They are living on a fixed income right now.

 

[lurkernj]

We usually take in-laws into New York for a show and dinner. My mother in law loves to see the tree at Rockefeller and just the Christmas vibe the city gives off this time of year. I start in October looking for discounts because it does get costly, but they are really simple people and don't ever want anything, but they look forward to this every year(we've done this for about 8 years. We also take our kids, so the time spent is priceless, especially now that they are getting older. (and I'm hoping they learn from the experience and take me when they get older)

This year we won't be able to make it, as my DH had a stroke earlier this year and isn't up for the crowds and the blocks of walking, so we are taking them to to see A Christmas Carol at a more local theater, along with dinner out.

 

[tammymacb]

I'm getting my dad a nook. He loves to read and wants something that would be easy to carry to his business. Also he can change the font size.

Not sure about my mother yet.

My 90 something Nana is getting a grocery store gift card. She lives just on social security and rarely does anything. It will leave her with a little extra money in her check book. And really, how many robes can you have?

 

[lovesmurfs]

Thank you for this thread! I just bought my parents a gift certificate for the Paper Mill Playhouse (they live in NJ). They love to go, and this will give them an excuse to go. My MIL loves to do pottery, so we bought her studio time.

Now on to my brother....and my grandmother....and my kids....and my husband.....